Details For Circumnavigation of South Georgia with the Falkland Islands

General Information

Rates:
$12,980 - $26,880

Summary:
This comprehensive South Georgia adventure travel tour aboard the Sea Adventurer captures the highlights of South Georgia and the Falklands, from the snow-covered plateaus and cliffs draped in 15-foot icicles to the stunning wildlife: majestic king penguins, four species of albatross, fur seals, and more. On this exciting wildlife expedition, get up close and personal with the amazing creatures that call this region home. Pay homage to the man most famous for South Georgia expedition travel, Sir Ernest Shackleton, at his Grytviken gravesite. Complete your journey with a visit to the beautiful, windswept Falkland Islands.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USABoard your independent overnight flight.

Day 2: Santiago, ChileUpon arrival in Santiago transfer to your hotel. Enjoy brunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing or join an optional sightseeing excursion. Welcome dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Days 4 - 5: Cruising the Scotia SeaSpend two days at sea, attending informative lectures on the history, geology, and amazing wildlife of this region. Join naturalists on deck to search for the marine mammals and seabirds that flourish in these nutrient-rich waters.

Days 6 - 12: South GeorgiaFlexibility on this expedition is a must. The expeditionary nature of this voyage prevents a set itinerary, but the following is a list of places you may plan to visit. Some are pending final government approval.

Elsehul Bay – This beautiful bay is home to thousands of fur seals. Listen for the high-pitched trumpeting of king penguins amid the magnificent sounds of marine mammals echoing throughout the bay.

Right Whale Bay – Land on a volcanic black-sand beach in search of southern fur seals, elephant seals, king penguins, and the other bird species known to inhabit the area.

Salisbury Plain – Two glaciers flank Salisbury Plain on South Georgia’s north coast. Here, more than 200,000 king penguins congregate and breed, and you are greeted by one of the more remarkable sights—and sounds—on Earth.

Hercules Bay – At this rocky bay you have the opportunity to view macaroni penguins, the most numerous of all penguin species.

Stromness Bay – Site of Shackleton’s arrival after crossing the island’s glaciers on foot, Stromness offers views of cliffs and a glacier, which the adventurer and his companions descended.

Grytviken – Explore Grytviken on foot, discovering the ruins of this once-active whaling station. The cemetery holds a special fascination, as it is here that Shackleton is buried. Hiking along the beach you will see penguins and other seabirds, as well as marine mammals.

Royal Bay – The 1882 German transit of Venus expedition conducted its research at this large bay, and remains of the party’s buildings still stand on shore. Ross Glacier forms a dramatic backdrop to the wild scenery, where 50,000 king penguins await.

Gold Harbour – At the foot of the Bertrab Glacier, Gold Harbour is often referred to as the “jewel in the island’s crown.” In addition to a large king penguin colony, you are likely to see elephant and fur seals, gentoo penguins, giant petrels, and with luck, light-mantled albatross.

Day 15: Saunders, Falkland IslandsOn Saunders Island you will find colonies of gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins, as well as black-browed albatross.

Day 16: Steeple Jason IslandToday visit one of the largest albatross colonies in the world with thousands of black-browed albatross sitting atop their nests. Also ashore are rookeries of gentoo penguins and South American sea lions.

Day 17: At SeaLecturers recap your experiences as you cruise toward the southernmost city in the world.

Day 19: USAArrive in the USA and connect with independent homeward flights.

Trip Notes

Included:All accommodations as outlined in the itinerary; all group meals including softdrinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner; flights from Santiago / Stanley and Ushuaia / Buenos Aires; group transfers; services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows; guided excursions as stated in the itinerary; entrance fees for parks, reserves, etc.; all gratuities; emergency medical coverage (maximum benefit per paying passenger of $25,000)*; evacuation coverage (maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000)*.

*Emergency Medical & Evacuation Insurance:Emergency medical coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $25,000 is included in the cost of this expedition, as well as evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000. Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA. The policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states. Please note this coverage does not cover you against trip cancellation or for additional days of travel prior to and/or after the expedition trip dates. ExpeditionTrips strongly advises all clients to purchase travel insurance which includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage for the entire duration of your trip.

True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.

Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!

ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.